FIVE Years Ago

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Things That People Without Kids Get To Do

This weekend we found ourselves suddenly and unexpectedly without child.

My mother in law was going to visit family and she wanted a traveling companion.

"SHE'S ALL YOURS!" We both said gladly.

Goose loves her cousin on the "other side of the mountains."

Her and Aubrey are "BEST FRIENDS."

And Friday afternoon, off they went to Kennewick.

We got off work at 5, got home at 5:15 and sat.

We stared at each other.

We walked in circles.

We watched a TV show that we can't watch when Goose is home.

South Park, if you were wondering.

Then we cleaned the kitchen. Together.

And made dinner.

Together.

Hawaiian meatball subs. From scratch. Yumm!

And we didn't eat 'till after 8!

meatballs, teriyaki BBQ sauce, pineapple, grilled onions and Swiss cheese.

We called some friends over and then walked to the bar and played some pool.

It was pretty cool.

Hubs plays pool every week or so at this tavern that's a block away from our house.

Normally, I stay home, because, ya know, someone has to stay with the kid.

But this time I GOT TO GO!

I'm not any good at pool, but its fun to play.

We went to bed at 3 am and didn't get up 'till 10.

When we got up I asked Hubs, "What do people without kids watch on the weekends?"

I flipped through the channels and almost wished Goose was home so I could have an excuse to watch cartoons.  Don't judge me.

And then I cleaned. We cleaned.

Scrubbed the kitchen.

Scrubbed the toilet.

Swept. Mopped. Vacuumed.

And it actually stayed that way!

I even cleaned Goose's room! I was mighty proud of myself.

I love a clean house. I would just love for someone else to clean it.

But I was in a mood and wasn't about to quit.

Still didn't have the will to fight the laundry monster though.

I washed it all... its just on the couch, waiting to be folded.

We didn't make breakfast and had an early lunch so around 4 pm we decided to go get food.

Greasy burgers from the best place in town.

With extra goop!

We took our dinner back home and finished eating and it was only 5 pm.  We had a whole night ahead of us and no plans what-so-ever.

A movie?

Why not?

I searched movie times on my phone (and the Flixster app for Blackberry is AWESOME, btw!)

and we decided to go see The Town directed by Ben Affleck.]

We decided we were bored at 5 pm.

By 6, we had decided on a movie.

And we were in our seats at 7:05 pm.

Just like that. No babysitter. No messing around.

I've never been Ben Affleck's biggest fan.

I love Mallrats and Dogma, but he always played a douche and that's kinda how I saw him.

But ladies, let me tell you, that man has gotten hotter with age.

And the whole "devoted dad, husband, family man" image doesn't hurt.

It reminded me alot like "Departed" with a similar style to "The Shawshank Redemption."

We were both pleased with our choice.

We came home and I made (and destroyed a cake.)

It's a good thing taste buds don't have eyes, cuz it tastes GREAT!

It was 10:30 pm or so, and we were bored.

And wired from cake.

And tipsy from wine.

So, hubs decided we should get some beer.

We collected all the change in the house (cuz we are cool like that) and decided to walk to the gas station down the road.

It was POURING, I mean, just DUMPING rain.

My feet were soaked before we left the driveway.

My coat, completely soaked after a block.

On the way home I ditched my coat and walked in the rain.

It wasn't even that cold.

It's the Water

Then we got home. Drank some beer. Watched TV.

We did "those things" that people do when they love each other, very much.

Then we slept in.

Late.

Hubs made me breakfast in bed but I was hungover.

I don't normally drink enough to be hungover.

I was so glad that my singing Goose wasn't home.

She is constantly singing and talking and chirping and squeaking.

Moving, dancing, running.

She is exhausting. And headache inducing, without the help of a hangover.

Then we laid on the couch and watched football.

All day.

Then we made dinner, Goose came home, and we all went to bed early.

I sure did miss that girl but I have to say...

It was awesome to act like ADULTS instead of PARENTS!

Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are

I'm so lucky to have married a man who has said such beautiful words to me.

The Love Challenge - Weeks 2-4

 Here is a round up of the last few weeks challenges. 

Week 2

Every day this week (or as many days as you can), contact your spouse while they are at work (or home, or wherever) just to see how their day is going and ask if there is anything you can do for them (pick up dry cleaning, iron clothes, shovel the snow). Mix it up by doing a variety of phone calls, texts, or emails.
Week 3: Love Note

Come up with a creative way to say a few words from the heart. It doesn't have to be long or dramatic, but do it in a different way. Write a ransom-style note using cut up magazines, write it in the sand, wrap it in a box, deliver it to his work, or just leave it for him next to his morning cup of coffee. If you get real ambitious, do this a few times this week, with each note being different and more creative!
Week 4: On a Positive Note...

Right now (yes, right now, or you'll forget to do it later), write down a list of positive things about your spouse. Pick one of those things and compliment him on or thank him for that positive attribute that he possesses. Try to pick a different one each day and compliment him all 7 days this week!

*~*~*

Okay, so, week two and four were kind of difficult for me.  As far as W2, we already spend a lot of time together.  We work relatively close, so we have lunch together nearly everyday.  And with only one car, wellm we are together a lot.  And we also tweet and text throughout the day.  I always try to tweet at least one nice thing about him a day.  I use Twitter to vent most of the time, I don't want people to think he is all bad, at least not worse than anyone elses husbands. LOL!

 W4 is something I have been working on anyway.  I keep a notebook by my bed and when Hubs does something particularly sweet or memorable, I write it down.  Not so much so I can remind him, but so I can remind myself to not take him for granted.  I've tried to be more diligent about telling him those things though. And I am trying this whole new "I'm not gonna feel sorry for myself" thing, and I have been forcing myself to be more involved and helpful.  More active in my own life, not just floating through it.

W3 though, I had a little fun with.  I posted this and was so stoked to surprise him with it.  I made it at work, so he wouldn't see it in advance.  Then, I slipped it into his pocket for him to find later.  I know, its not a useful trinket, but it is a creative way to give a love note.  And he really loved it.

The quote, is from The Office, by none other than Michael Scott.
I believe it was said at Jim and Pam's wedding, but I could be wrong (but I highly doubt it).
The Office is our favorite show, we never miss it. So, while I could have picked something more poignant, I thought this was the most fitting.

"You can't stop love.

And sometimes I thing you shouldn't even try."

~Michael Scott, The Office

Steve did too.

Love Notes - DIY

Just in case you were participating in

The Love Challenge

*click here for Week 2*

Week 3: Love Note

Come up with a creative way to say a few words from the heart. It doesn't have to be long or dramatic, but do it in a different way. Write a ransom-style note using cut up magazines, write it in the sand, wrap it in a box, deliver it to his work, or just leave it for him next to his morning cup of coffee. If you get real ambitious, do this a few times this week, with each note being different and more creative!

Here are some wonderful crafty love notes.Apparently, they are the "hot" new thing.I think they are darling.So many ways to personalize.
I made one for my love.(I'll share it a little later...)
From Stitch Alchemy 

From (capture the moment)

From Paper n Stitch

Could you imagine them as a wedding favor?

Baby shower gift?

Precious!

Or just a sweet little way to show that special someone you care.

Enjoy!

This post was featured on Simply Wedding Favors today!!

The Love Challenge

Julia has a new, 20 week project on her blog.
The Love Challenge.
Each week she posts a new challenge to show your spouse how important they are to you.The first weeks challenge was...
Week 1: Surprise!
Suprise him with an unexpected gift. Make it personal rather than trendy, small rather than large, silly rather than serious. Something only he can appreciate. Show your thoughtfulness in a way that lets him know how important he is to you.
For starters, I told Steve he didn't need to get me anything for Valentine's Day.  (Read this - adult language - but I empathize!) Normally, for holiday's he goes all out.  But this year, I didn't feel like he needed ONE DAY to show me how much he loves me.  It's no secret that I have had "health issues" for a while now and Hubs has been so supportive, however stressed out.  He has gone above and beyond anything I could have ever asked for.  I love him so much for that.  I didn't WANT him to do anything for me.  
So we made "the agreement" that many couples do, not to get each other anything.  Although he asked that I cook dinner and I asked for breakfast in bed.
But...I got him something.  Yes, I did get him the requisite chocolates... but the real gift...An assortment of spices and rubs and EVOO to cook with.
I've said before, he's the cook in the house.I felt kind of bad for getting him something to cook with, since its sort of a "chore."He loved it though.  He was really excited!  And can't wait to cook me dinner.
Unfortunately, he did feel guilty for not getting me anything.  I'm not upset.  Like I said, I really didn't want anything.AND I even let him sleep in on Sunday.
He took Goose and I to Sushi Go Round.  Yummy!And he took Goose to daycare this morning and let me sleep in.But I really couldn't.So, I'm blogging.  
And to brag... just a little bit...The best gift he got (and in my opinion, the best gift I gave)A hand made personal Valentine, sent in the mail and arrived on Saturday.One for Steve, one for Goose, and one for my Mom and each of my sisters.
The best Valentine I got,was seeing their smiles when they opened the cards.

(Almost) Monday Morning Confessional

Yup.

I am THAT mom.  

Today is a holiday;

Hubs and I are both off...

And Goose will be going to daycare.

I'm a terrible mother.
My child will be scarred for life...

Or will she?

Okay, so here is the deal.

We have it worked out that Goose is only in daycare two days a week. Monday and Wednesday.  The rest of the time she is with family and weekends are spent at home.  I know we don't spend as much time with her as we "should" (what does that even mean, anyway?) but, honestly, the thing is... daycare ain't cheap! We spend quite a bit just for her to go on those two days and we have to pay whether she is there are not.  It sucks.  But it is what it is.

Besides...

Goose loves "school."
She loves her friends.
She loves to make crafts.
She loves the attention.

And, quite frankly, she needs the interaction.
Craves it.
I need her to have the interaction.

Also,
Hubs and I rarely spent time alone.
Together.
During the day.

So... we are gonna take advantage of it!

Call me a bad mom, I don't care.
I know Goose will be happier at school than hangin' at home while Hubs and I catch up on the cleaning.
'Cuz we didn't do much all weekend.
And its hard for all of us, being cooped up when the weather is bad.
It's just better for ALL of us this way.
Trust me.  

And here is the real confession...

I'm not even gonna let myself feel guilty about it.

Not in the slightest.

Don't be judgey...

PS - Check out the AH-mazing vintage jacket I snagged this weekend at Fun Junk. Actually, its a suit but the skirt is WAY small. 

The coat fits purrrfect. 

This is just a bad photo booth pic, but you should get the idea.

Loverly Love

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Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Today I am thankful for the things I love:

My Husband.

Goose.

Art.

Being Creative.

My mom and sisters.

My dad.

Everyone in my "extended" family.

All of the family I have lost touch with... I miss you!

I think love means not asking the ones you love to do something they don't want to do.

I also think that loves means doing the things you don't want to do for someone you love.

And I know how most men hate Valentine's Day.

So...

I didn't ask for anything.

Not even a card.

Okay, I did ask for breakfast in bed, but apparently Goose wanted to give that to me anyway. I didn't need to ask.

My husband does so much for me, and for that I am thankful.  

I got him a whole bag of goodies...

He's the cook, so I got him some garlic rubs, maridades, EVOO, and some mustard.  

Some chocolates too.  

He loved it.

I couldn't even wait till midnight to give it to him.

I was so excited to see him smile.

And I can't wait for Goose to open her gifts... I may have gone a little over board. 

I just want my family to know how much they mean to me.  

I know I don't have to buy them things to show them...

I don't think I will be getting anything, but thats really okay with me.

I'm happy with the smiles from my family!

I even sent Valentines', in the mail, to my family.

More smiles! Oh, happy mail!

I love you all!

Thanks to my loyal readers!

PS - Thank you to all who have given me input on your religious beliefs.  It's so nice to hear different points of view.  Please keep them coming! I want to learn SO MUCH more!!!

Date Nite Surprise!!!

Hubs surprised me last night by getting a babysitter for Goose.

I love HIM!

So we went to our favorite restaurant.

Sushi Go Round!!!

I ate until I was stuffed to the brim.

And it was delicious.

The food comes around on different colored plates (based on price)

and you just grab what you want off the conveyor.

The beautiful blown-glass fish wall. So purty!

And a quick wardrobe remix!

Shirt: Mandelin's Consignment, $8

Bag: Target, $25

Hairbow: Kelsy-made
Necklace/Earrings - Walmart, $10
Watch: Silpada
Brass cuff bracelet: VV, $2

And now I am back to sewing!

I'm making headbands tonight and more bows.

I got some WONDERFUL vintage feed sack fabric from Fun Junk.

And tomorrow is picture day!

BECAUSE...

I still intend to list some things

(I admittedly will NOT get everything listed)

sporadically over the next month!

Beautiful is not Perfect

I was REALLY inspired by this post from from Alexa on "Its a Love Story"

"So be the greatest at what your good at. And embrace the qualities you lack. Don't try to be anything you're not. There is no better person to play our part, than us. Don't waste it, Enjoy it."

I highly recommend visiting her blog and reading today's post!
You won't be disappointed!



Faith is a beautiful thing to have.

Happy Friday!

The Next 10 Years - A Love Story

Today is Hubs and my 10 year annaversairy. Not of marriage, only at 3.5yrs there, but of togetherness. I remember the first time I saw him, my freshman year of high school. "Steven V_____ is SO HOT." And his parents owned the bead store. And he was a great dresser. And SO CUTE!

Apparently, he thought the same of me. He told me the first time he noticed me were at class elections. I was running for class president. I didn't win. But Future Hubs notice my legs. He's always been a leg-man.

I was best friends with Hubs best friend freshman year. I shall dub him "Axel Bill". He was the one that introduced us. I thought he was SO CUTE! But probably totally out of my leauge. He was in with the popular clique and I was/am a self-proclaimed dork. Hot... but nerdy none-the-less, and my friends were the same (only less hot). To this day, Hubs still calls me "Queen of the Nerds."

We didn't actually meet in "that way" until the Freshman Dance at the begining of our sophmore year. The Frosh dance was held at the begining of the school year. All the upper-classmen dressed as slutty/weird as possible to try and scare the freshman. Oh, if I could only show you what Hubs was wearing... hot pants, soccer socks, a vest (no shirt) and a tie. Axel went in a dress (and he had long-ish hair and some dude actually hit on him!)

Hubs and I danced several times and in my head I vowed to myself that I would make it my goal to "hook up" with him by the end of the year. I had just gotten out of my first serious relationship and was swearing off boys completely. A committed relationship was the last thing I was looking for! Hubs pretty much felt the same way.

But thats how love gets you. When you aren't looking. Unsuspecting. A week later we met up at a church dance. It was HORRIDLY lame and the group of us left. Walking several blocks downtown to the local fountain. We were in our clothes and got completely soaked. Then Axel lost his wallet. While everyone else was looking for his wallet, Hubs and I stood on a street corner, his arms around me. We didn't share our first kiss then, but remember looking up into my eyes and knowing in that moment that I loved him.

Now at 15 could I have told you we were gonna be together this long, get married and have a baby? Or should I say, get pregnant, get married and have a baby. No way. This is the last thing I ever suspected that night, September 11th, 1999.

So here we are. It hasn't been easy and we've certainly have had our bumps along the way. But I am really looking forward to the next 10 years? Look at all the happiness the first 10 has brought me!

I am SO in LOVE!

Have a wonderful weekend!

PS - I would like to say THANK YOU to all of our service men and women who have fought and are still fighting in the middle east. Today is a day of great sorrow and as Americans' we can NEVER forget. We must always support the people who fight for our country and the sacrifices they face to defend the values that the American people hold dear and true. THANKS!!!

ETA- Goose has her Daddy's eyes.  She has my dimple and smile.  She is the perfect mix of the two of us.  I am in constant wonder and amazement that we created such a beautiful being.  I never wanted to be a mother.  Not even when I was pregnant.  But it wasn't until they placed her on my chest that I learned what unconditional love really is.

Labor Day Weekend

Hubs and I went to Bumbershoot, a music festival in Seattle this weekend. It was the first time we have taken a vacation together, just the two of us, since Goose was born. Sure, we have had date nights and she has spent the night at the Grandparents... but WE have never taken a vacation!

We didn't even get a honeymoon since I was 5 months pregnant at the time of our wedding. And since this coming up 11th is our 10 year annaversairy (of dating), we thought we would go all out and really treat ourselves. So, we booked a hotel and snagged our three day passes and saw some incredible art!

I needed this weekend. WE needed this weekend. I feel zen - music and art refules my soul and feeds my need to create!

Anyway, I took a TON of freaking pics and will be posting them shortly. Still need to pick and chose and upload and edit. I'll probably post them by day, seems to be the easiest way, at least I think...

LUVS and HUGS and I will be back shortly with LOTS of pictures to post!

PS - Can anyone tell me who started the trend of wearing leggings and shirts? Whatever happened to pants? Or heaven forbid a skirt. perhaps? If anyone knows, please tell me. I am completely baffeled at the amount of fat asses I saw squeezed into leggings w/ no pants. Gross! I seriously wonder what some of the women were thinking when they got dressed. Um, you know its Seattle? It's cold and rainy? Yeah... that fancy dress and heels ain't gonna look so hot when you look like a half-drowned cat. Just my two cents.

Why I am a Good Wife

Because I will risk life and limb while driving in my car to take pictures like this.

It's a truck that has been modified for sand-duning. I didn't know that. But I could tell by it's unique design (custom) and shocks and tires (are you amazed? I do know a little about "car" stuff) that it was for off road.

I knew Hubs would like to see it.

He did.

Immediately commented on how great the shocks on it are.

Whatever.

I sure hope he appriciates me.

Have a wonderful Friday and a Happy Weekend!

See ya on Monday!

PS - I have the crafting-bug BAD right now. Hoping to get some time to craft a bit - have to clean the craft-room first. BLAH! Hopefully I will have something to show you on Monday!